Variation in auto service: Unions demand not to allow bike taxis in Bengaluru
BENGALURU: Auto-rickshaws dint not ply on Bengaluru roads on Monday as auto unions have called for a one-day strike against the state government’s decision to allow e-bike taxis. Unions have demanded a ban on the use of two-wheelers (white board bikes) as bike taxis.
The state transport department has sanctioned private company Bounce to operate 100 e-bike taxis in the city to improve first- and last-mile connectivity under its electric bike taxi scheme. Rs 25 for 5 km, Rs 50 for 10 km. The rate is fixed by the department.
Recently, an auto driver was arrested for obstructing a bike taxi rider, breaking his helmet and warning him that he will face serious consequences if he is found driving a bike taxi again.
“People are using their personal white board bikes and scooters as taxis by linking their vehicles with companies like Rapido. This is illegal. It will eat into the income of around two lakh auto drivers who have already suffered after Covid,” said Manjunath, – Bangalore Auto Drivers Unions.
#WATCH | Karnataka police detain auto drivers who were protesting against the bike taxi service in Bengaluru. pic.twitter.com/787rRymQL2
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2023
Realizing the problem of auto drivers, Maharashtra and Delhi have banned bike taxis, he said. “Autos have to get permits, follow many rules and ensure safe journey of their passengers. But he said there are no rules for white board taxis and there are many incidents that threaten the safety of passengers.
We want the state government to impose a similar ban and help auto drivers lead a decent life, he said, adding that the strike will start from Sunday midnight and end on Monday midnight.
Members of the protesting organizations will take out an auto rally from the city’s Central Railway Station to the Chief Minister’s residence this morning to draw the attention of the Chief Minister and demand a resolution to their grievances.
Disappointing response: The auto strike called by some unions in Bengaluru has received dismal response. Opposing the running of bike taxis by Rapido, Uber etc. Auto drivers are focusing on making trips at fixed metered charges.
